Rouge is owning her throne

Born Deko Barbara-jessica Wedi, awardwinning South African rapper, author and TV personality Rouge is claiming her spot as the best female in the game

GQ: Describe your musical journey to date?

Rouge: It’s an evolution. I’m learning about myself and my sound every day. It’s a beautiful journey.

GQ: From your debut album The New Era Sessions to where you are today, would you say there’s been a shift in your music? If so, what would you attribute it to?

R: You’ll hear the maturity in my sound. The hunger’s still there but there’s a better sense of who I am in this music. I’m doing a lot of singing, too.

GQ: Where did the name Rouge come from?

R: I needed a name that represents me. The colour red symbolises love, passion and danger. It grabs your attention quickly. It’s everything I’m about.

GQ: How would you describe the female hip-hop scene in SA? R: It’s booming at the moment. Everyone wants to be part of it.

GQ: You got people heated when you tweeted that you’re the ‘best female in the game’. What gives Rouge the edge over other SA female rappers? R: I’d say my versatility makes me the best in the game. And honestly,

I’m not afraid about owning my place in it. I guess it’s also my unapologetic approach.

GQ: Do you think beef is what keeps hip-hop alive, or can everyone flourish in their own lanes?

R: I fully believe both can work. We’ve seen it time and time again. Just be ready to flourish in both.

GQ: You’ve collaborated with Moozlie, Kwesta, AKA and other big names. What’s the common thread and who else would you like to work with in the future, locally and internationally? R: I think it comes down to a good relationship and sharing a common idea of what we’d like to achieve with our projects. I’d love to work with Lauryn Hill, LOGIC, Nicki Minaj or Remy MA.

GQ: You’re also a TV presenter who’s comfortable in front of the camera. Would you say you’re an allround entertainer? R: 100%! I believe it boils down to versatility.

GQ: You’ve bagged a couple of awards, including Newcomer of the Year at the South African Music Awards (SAMAS) and the South African Hip-hop Award for Best Female Artist. What does this speak to? And what does it mean to you to be recognised for your work?

R: All my awards mean a lot to me. They’re an affirmation that not only am I being recognised by my peers, but my supporters are riding for me 100%. It really keeps me going.

GQ: Are there social issues you’d like to add your voice to, and what would you like people to take away from your music? R: Definitely violence against women. I’ve had my fair share of abuse from men, both verbal and physical. It’s a daily fight.

GQ: What type of content do you gravitate towards, and what would you say keeps you fresh and relevant?

R: Love has been a huge driver of the project I’m working on at the moment. Honestly, my relevance is based on my supporters.

GQ: What can your fans expect from you in 2020?

R: A lot of collabs, singing, some fire bars and movies.